29 Februari 2016

RAAF operates 33 BAE Systems Hawk 127 aircraft (photo : Australian Aviation)Somewhat lost in the Defence White Paper noise is a new $5 billion project to replace the RAAF’s Hawk lead-in fighter trainers.The White Paper’s accompanying Integrated Investment Program document, which outlines new defence capability acquisitions, briefly notes that it: “…also includes a substantial provision for a new lead-in fighter training system to support those students who go on to complete the ADF’s fast jet pilot training.”The Integrated Investment Program, released alongside the Defence White Paper on Thursday, provides little other detail other than a line in a “summary of key investment decisions” table that shows the ‘Lead-In Fighter Training System’ program has a timeframe of 2022-2033 and an “approximate investment value” budget range of $4-5 billion.The RAAF’s 76 and 79 Squadrons operate 33 BAE Systems Hawk 127 jets in the lead-in fighter role. The aircraft entered service in 2001 and are currently being upgraded under the AIR 5438 Lead-In Fighter Capability Assurance Program.Meanwhile, the Integrated Investment Program also reveals a requirement for a “Training Support Aircraft”, which appears in a summary of key investment decisions table with a timeframe of 2019-2024 with a $100-200 million “approximate investment value”.No other details are provided, but the project may be to replace 32 Squadron’s King Air twin turboprops used to support the School of Air Warfare.(Australian Aviation)

Submarine infrastructure at PT PAL (photo : Kaskus Militer)The government is still working on the infrastructure needed to accommodate three new submarines from South Korea, with the project scheduled to be completed in December.Based on the procurement contract between the government and Daewoo Shipbuilding Marine Engineering (DSME), the submarines were scheduled to be delivered last year and this year.Now, the Defense Ministry has revealed that South Korea will be ready to deliver the three submarines by September, however, as Indonesia has yet to complete the necessary infrastructure, the delivery has been postponed until December.“The government has disbursed Rp 1.5 trillion [US$112.1 million] to PT PAL for building the submarine infrastructure, including hangars and floating equipment,” Rear Admiral Leonardi, chief of the Defense Ministry’s procurement center told The Jakarta Post in Jakarta recently.It was reported that the Defense Ministry and DSME signed the contract for the three Chang Bogo-class submarines in 2011. The contract was worth $1.07 billion.Under the contract, two submarines would be built in South Korea in cooperation with state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL, while the third submarine would be built at PT PAL’s facilities in Surabaya.Leonardi said that besides infrastructure preparation, Indonesia also needed to train the crew members and operators who would be building the submarine in Surabaya, East Java.“We’re confident all plans are on track, because we have already pushed back the deadline,” Leonardi said.That optimism is also shared by PT PAL production director Edy Widarto, who said that the development was still on track and would be accomplished in December.According to Edy, PT PAL’s new submarine infrastructure will have the capacity to build or restore two submarines at once.“We can even use the same infrastructure to build a surface warship, such as missile destroyer warship [PKR], which we will build with Dutch shipbuilder Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding [DSNS],“ Edy told the Post in Surabaya on Wednesday.Edy acknowledged that there was a delay in the plan due to budget disbursement issues. However, he asserted that submarine modules would be delivered from South Korea in December, and that PAL would start to assemble them in January 2017.Edy said PT PAL would assemble the modules under the supervision of DSME’s experts.“Our technicians are ready. We have good quality people. We have the necessary experience to assemble warship modules quickly and accurately,” Edy said.PT PAL is an experienced ship builder, the company having built several warships for the Indonesian armed forces (TNI) and also products for sale overseas.In addition to Chang Bogo-class submarines, the Indonesian Navy has revealed its plans to purchase another two new Kilo-class submarines from Russia to expand its fleet. The procurement is part of a strategic plan for 2015 to 2019.However, the Navy has yet to decide on which type of Kilo-class submarines to order.Submarines, with their stealth capacity, are regarded as effective deterrents and Indonesian needs at least 12 such vessels to protect its territory.The Navy currently operates two German-made submarines, the KRI Cakra (401) and KRI Nenggala (402), which were built in the 1980s. The vessels are due to be decommissioned in 2020.(The Jakarta Post)

92-meter MRRV will be acquired from Japan (photo : pdff)MANILA (PNA) -- Plans are underway for the acquisition of a 92-meter multirole response vessels (MRRVs) for the Philippine Coast Guard.This was disclosed by PCG commander Rear Admiral William Melad in an interview after his visit to the "People Power Experiential Museum" Thursday at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.Negotiations between the Department of Transportation and Communications and Japan International Cooperation are now ongoing for this project, he said.The proposed vessels are patterned after existing 92-meter ships already in the inventory of the Japan Coast Guard.Melad said having 92-meter MRRVs in the PCG is part of their strategic development plan which seeks to acquire 80-meter to 125-meters ships.Bigger ships mean an increase in the patrol, loiter and carrying capacity of the vessels aside from having sufficient room for modernization and upgrades.At present, the biggest and sophisticated PCG craft are the four Tenix-made EDSA-DOS class which is around 56-meters long and features a helipad and decompression chamber.These ships were commissioned between 2001 to 2005. (PNA)

27 Februari 2016

Gepard 3.9 frigates (photo : tinnong)Straight up is defined modern and robust investment priorities, by 2017, the Navy will have on the service 17 advanced rocket ship.4 Missile Escort Gepard-3.9Following the first pair of ships of Gepard 011-Dinh Tien Hoang and 012-Ly Thai missile escort vessel, 2nd pairs (units 3 & 4) being built by Zelenodolsk Shipyard (Russia) to urgently complete Navy handed over to Vietnam in 2017.Progress is a bit slower than the original for several reasons, including the failure of Ukraine not to handed over to the Russian engine mount aboard Gepard. But then, both Vietnam and Russia jointly resolve this issue satisfactorily way.Although not released details, but most likely the next Gepard vessel will be fitted with MTU engines originating in Germany. Earlier, Germany's partners to provide at least 2 MTU-8000 diesel engines for ships BPS-500's first domestically built in Vietnam.Reportedly, this is the 2nd pair of vessels added submarine hunting ability, officially turn them into rocket ships versatile protector perfectly true, just anti-ship, submarine hunting recently, just as the command ship records or naval strike group ready to attack the invaders.Russian media also reported, most likely in the near future Vietnam Navy ships will set paired 3rd Gepard (the No. 5 & 6), but perhaps the parties are still in the process of completing discussions design should contract has not yet been formally signed.There is news that the next pair of ships, beyond anti-ship, submarine hunting, they will be equipped with air defense missile vertical launch, longer range, formed relatively strong air defense umbrella to cover Vietnam Navy ships operating at sea.

Molniya corvettes (photo : tinnong)8 Molniya CorvettesAs of early 2016, had all six boats Molniya be handed over to the Vietnam Navy. 2 of which are built in Russia and 4 units built in Vietnam by the corporation Bason construction under license and technology transfer, supervised by the Russian side.3rd vessel Molniya pair (the No. 5 & 6) are also officers, engineers and skilled workers of Ba Son complete urgently to conduct testing, commissioning and handover to the navy unit use this right in 2016.It is expected that after the phase 1 close 6 ships of this type, Ba Son Corporation will implement phase 2 with a 4-6 series next Molniya ships with advanced configuration and more powerful weapons.

Tarantul FAC-M (photo : Soha)4 Tarantul Fast Attack MissileIn the final stages of 1990 and early 2000, Vietnam navy received four fast attack missile ship Tarantul, the forerunner of today's Molniya vessels.This is the rocket ship was deployed but the Russian side is not completed by many different reasons. Vietnam has successfully acquired the vessel, initially acquainted with modern missile boats, as a foundation for mastering the reception and more modern ships.We can, in a few years, with the study of anti-ship missiles successfully KCT-15, this can Tarantul vessels will be upgraded to improve the firepower, continue to serve in the Vietnam Navy add a few more decades.

BPS-500 FAC-M (photo : Infonet)1 BPS-500 Fast Attack MissileShipbuilding project fast attack missile BPS-500 has been postponed for reasons both subjective and objective, after just finishing is a unique one.The project, which has helped draw more experience in choosing the type of ship, armament comes, is a prerequisite for shipbuilding Project M, ie the Molniya modern ships.Expected in the near future, ships will be upgraded to maximize the speed, the power of anti-ship missile, meet the requirements of maritime warfare in the new situation.In addition to the modern rocket ship above, at present, on the service of Vietnam Navy ships also have some OSA-II class missile was put into use for quite some time.In the future, when the number of Vietnam ship missiles more are added, they will be able to archive, taken as the reserve force.(Soha)

Hobart class destroyer (photo : ADBR)CANBERRA (Xinhua) -- Australia's Defence White Paper has shown that Australia will almost double its defence spending within the next 15 years in order to keep up with what it called the "unprecedented transformation" occurring in the Indo-Pacific region.Defence Minister Marise Payne said the Australian government is set to raise the annual defence budget from 23.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2016/17 to 42.5 billion by 2025/26 - in line with its promise to raise defence spending up to 2 percent of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) by 2023.Dr Amy King, from the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, told Xinhua the White Paper was a measured response to the "modernization" of military forces in the immediate South East Asian region.The paper, released this week, outlines the major investment in the defence department on the grounds that "Asia's defence spending is now larger than Europe's".The Defence Department also cited other reasons for the sudden growth in funding and military interest - Payne said a number of "complex security challenges" such as the threat posed by terrorist outfits such as Islamic State (IS) also justified the budget.Under the plan, more than 140 billion U.S. dollars will be poured into strengthening Australia's maritime and air force defence systems, with 12 new submarines to be built locally, while nine new frigates, 12 offshore patrol vessels and 15 new aircraft have all been given the green light.Along with a further 2,500 ground troops and a new fleet of armoured vehicles also in the works, the government highlighted the need to provide Australia's construction industry with stable employment over the next decade.Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Thursday that China was "dissatisfied" about some "negative" remarks surrounding the South China Sea in the white paper."It mentions Australia is willing to enhance cooperation with China, China welcomes that and hopes it can translate these positive statements into concrete actions.""We also noticed that this white paper made some remarks about South China Sea and East China Sea...These remarks are negative and we are dissatisfied about this."However the federal government said that spending money on an improved defence force was no cause for concern.Following Beijing's comments, Payne told the ABC on Thursday evening that despite the South China Sea being a "point of difference" between the two nations, Australia and China share a number of "significant relationships" - such as those in trade and defence."We obviously have very significant relationships with China across a range of areas and not least of which is our trading relationship," she said."But importantly as part of our defence relationship we work with the PLA Navy, with the PLA itself."Meanwhile King said Australia's interest in the region was formed on the basis that a number of major trading partners were involved in the South China Sea 'dispute'. She said Australia had no interest in causing further "destabilization"."(The paper) is reflecting that while Australia doesn't face a direct threat, but it does note the region is become tenser because of those disputes," King told Xinhua.(Xinhua)

Speculation about the type of warship, one of them can be referred to Type 054A Jiangkai II frigates (134m, 4.000 tonnes) (photo : defenceforumindia)The commander of the Royal Cambodian Navy yesterday revealed that Cambodia was in negotiations to buy two 140-metre heavy warships armed with modern weapon systems from China.Admiral Tea Vinh made the revelation during a meeting with Chinese Rear Admiral Yu Manjiang at the Navy’s headquarters in Phnom Penh.“The Royal Cambodian Navy needs two warships but communication is in process between the two defence ministries,” he said. “We will not use them for war – we will only use them to protect our territorial sovereignty. Cambodia should not be looked down on by its neighbours.”During the meeting, Vinh also reminded Manjiang that Cambodia stayed on China’s side in the South China Sea dispute. He said he didn’t talk about such issues because “the Royal Cambodian Navy has close ties to China and respects One China”.Three Chinese warships carrying 737 sailors docked in Preah Sihanouk province on Monday and are scheduled to leave on Friday. The Chinese navy personnel are undertaking joint exercises with the Cambodian Navy during the visit.(PhnomPenhPost)

Rafael Mini Typhoon 12.7mm RWS and Spike-ER missile launcher (photo : Rafael)According to Rafael, Mini-Typhoon gun was designed for day and night operation, especially designed for fast maneuvering patrol boats. The system provides day and night observation, operation, and accurate firing capabilities.The SPIKE-ER is a guided weapon which is the extended long-range version of the Spike family, capable of defeating targets at a range of up to 8 kilometers. “This missile is designed for installation on land vehicles, helicopters and naval platforms,” Rafael said.Mini-Typhoon has a variant which incorporates a machine gun and surface-to-surface missiles.Lot 1, the project for three attack crafts, is expected to be completed within one year. These MPACs will be capable of storing 2,000 rounds for 12.7mm, 4,000 rounds for 7.62mm ammunition and 10 canisters of surface-to-surface missiles.(Update)

MZKT-6922 chasis for air defence system (photo : Myanmar Defence Weapons)Myanmar army appears to have imported new air defense systems from Russia, it may be a Buk missile or Tor.Myanmar's military blog recently published pictures taken at a wharf in the country showed that the appearance of the base chassis specialized MZKT-6922 system as the basis for modern air defense missiles from Russia. This sparked speculation that Myanmar's military may have to import a certain weapon systems from Russia. Because part of the roof is covered by canvas difficult identify whether this chassis carrying any weapons systems.According to the Russia documents, the current base chassis MZKT-6922 is used as a platform to put the improved variant of air defense missile systems Tor, Buk, Osa-1T and T38 9K33-1T Stiletto.Specifically, MZKT-6922 is used as the chassis for air defense systems Tor-M2E short-range is designed to destroy most of the air targets such as aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, cruise missiles, smart bombs.Tor-M2E air-navigation allows 4 channel 4 rocket attacks leading 4 goals at the same time, ultra-fast response time is only 7 seconds, air-to-air missile launcher 9M331 high vertical with 10km range, shot 16km distance, speed 1km/s.

Based on a MZKT-6922 can also be used in a variation of air defense systems Buk-M2E medium-range.The gas component Buk-M2E system resource use based on a MZKT-6922. The system is capable of destroying targets up to 30km high-altitude, long-range 70km, the lower the probability is very high goals.MZKT-6922 chassis is also used as the basis for anti-aircraft missile system Osa-1T 9K33-1T - upgraded variant of 9K33 Osa system produced by the Soviet Union, made by companies Tetraedr of Belarus. The system is equipped with ammunition missile with a range of 20km 9M33M3-1, additional camera channels aiming Day / Night OES-1T.Osa-1T addition, generation Tetraedr develops innovative T38 deep Stilet 9K33 Osa missiles equipped with new T382 has a range of 20km how to destroy targets, detect stealth targets.(KienThuc)

Australia operates 22 Airbus Helicopters Tiger ARH (photo : ron and jim smith)Australia will replace its fleet of 22 Airbus Helicopters Tiger armed reconnaissance rotorcraft in the mid-2020s with a mix of manned and unmanned assets.The disclosure was made in Australia’s 2016 defence whitepaper. Other requirements include the planned acquisition of light helicopters for special forces use, and a plan to explore the possibility of a long-range combat search and rescue asset.“Armed reconnaissance helicopter operations will rely increasingly on intelligence and mission data and access to the common operating picture and other real time data for effective integration with joint forces,” says the whitepaper.“The Tiger has had a troubled history – essential upgrades are programmed to maintain the capability’s effectiveness. Defence will invest in a future armed reconnaissance capability to replace the Tiger, which could include manned or unmanned systems or a combination of both, to be introduced from the mid-2020s.”Canberra also plans to obtain “light helicopters” that can be easily transported aboard the Boeing C-17 strategic transport.“A new capability for the ADF will be introduced with the acquisition of dedicated light helicopters to support Special Forces operations,” says the whitepaper. “These light helicopters can be rapidly deployed in C-17s, and can insert, extract and provide fire support for small teams of special forces undertaking tasks ranging from tactical observation through to counter-terrorism missions, or hostage recovery.”Another new capability Canberra plans to explore in the 2020s is “a long-range, aero-medical evacuation and combat search and rescue aircraft.”The whitepaper did not explicitly state if this would be fixed-wing aircraft or a helicopter, but it requires that it be “capable of operating with the amphibious ships.”In addition, Canberra confirmed its interest in three additional CH-47F Chinooks, taking its fleet of the twin rotor type to 10. The US government approved a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case for this in December 2015.(FlightGlobal)

The MPAC Mk. II (photo : Lung Teh Shipbuilding Co. Ltd)The Department of National Defense has awarded the joint venture of Filipino shipbuilder Propmech Corporation and Taiwanese builder Lung Teh Shipbuilding Co. the contract to build three (3) Multi-purpose Attack Crafts with contract price of PhP268,880,000, a document from PhilGEPS states. Award date is February 5. The approved budget for the said procurement project was PhP270,000,000.These MPACs, 17-meter Mk III, to be delivered within 365 days will be utilized as platforms for missile launch system and other weapons.MPAC Mk III will have provisions for remote weapon system for 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun M2HB; missile launch system and its respective remote operating console inside the craft. MPAC Mk III will also have provisions for two M60/7.62mm Light Machine Gun.

The MPAC Mk. I (photo : Lung Teh Shipbuilding Co. Ltd)These three MPACs will also be capable of storing 2,000 rounds for 12.7mm, 4,000 rounds for 7.62mm and 10 canisters of surface-to-surface missiles.Weapons and missiles will be procured in a separate project, Multi-Purpose Attack Craft Acquisition Project (Lot 2).The Philippine Navy is known to be operating six MPACs which are not armed with missiles. Three, 15-meter Mk I, were built by Lung Teh while the other three, 17-meter Mk II, were built by Propmech.(Update)

HMAS Ballarat conducts an inclining experiment essential for calculating manoeuvrability and stability of the vessel following comprehensive structural changes, such as the addition of the Aft Mast Cupola, during the ASMD Programme. (photo : RAN)HMAS Ballarat proceeded to a buoy in Cockburn Sound, Western Australia, recently, signifying the completion of a busy and successful Anti-Ship Missile Defence Upgrade.

The sixth Anzac class frigate built for the Royal Australian Navy, Ballarat was the fifth vessel to proceed to Mariner Skills Evaluation and Sea Trials post upgrade, following HMA Ships Perth, Arunta, Anzac and Warramunga.

The upgrade project delivers not only an upgraded combat system and the Australian designed CEA phased array radar suite, but a comprehensive package of engineering changes and maintenance tasks including the ability to embark the MRH-90 helicopter.

The most significant visual change is the addition of the aft radar mast ‘cupola’ to house the phased array radar, and completing the new look a coat of the Royal Australian Navy’s new ‘haze grey’ paint scheme is applied to the upper deck structures.

Having verified propulsion plant safety and operability, the ship sailed to commence sea trials to test and validate the comprehensive package of work done.

Sailing represents the culmination of months of work by the Integrated Project Team and ship's staff to re-activate the vessel, which was de-crewed during the docking phase of the activity.

Commander Cassandra Ryan, Anzac Systems Program Office Sustainment Director, said milestone was a credit to both the crew and the project team.

“It is exciting to see the each ship depart the programme and return to service in the Navy equipped with such impressive capability," she said.

Significant co-ordination was required to bring the vessel back into service, including the de-confliction of ongoing production, set to work and testing activities while the ships staff re-inhabited and re-populated compartments and systems with everything from computers and office furniture to food to maintenance supplies.

The upgrade programme is managed by the Anzac Systems Program Office and involves industry partners including BAE Systems, NSM, Saab, and multiple sub-contractors.

“During the installation of the upgraded combat system, almost 30km of cable is installed, and the project has recently surpassed two million hours on task," Commander Ryan said.“The project represents a significant upgrade to the capability, and is one of the major projects currently under delivery within the Royal Australian Navy fleet.”

Over half-way through the whole-of-class upgrade, HMA Ships Parramatta and Toowoomba are currently on the dry dock in the BAE yard at Henderson, Western Australia.

HMAS Stuart is the final ship to be upgraded and will enter the programme in May 2016.

Following sea trials, Ballarat will work up her ship's company to be ready for all future Navy tasking.(Aus DoD)

Design of the MicroDragon satellite. The 50kg satellite will be launched in 2018 with assistance from Japan. (image : vnsg)HA NOI (VNS) — A 50kg satellite, measuring 50x50x50cm, will be launched into space by Viet Nam in 2018.The MicroDragon satellite will be designed and created by Vietnamese engineers, with the support of Japanese experts.Japan's Epsilon rocket, created by IHI Aerospace company, will carry the MicroDragon satellite into space.The satellite will observe the coastal areas of the country to evaluate water quality, navigate marine food resources and follow up on changes in coastal areas to inform Viet Nam's aquaculture breeding sector.Director of Viet Nam National Satellite Centre (VNSC) Pham Anh Tuan said the MicroDragon project is expected to help create an environment in which young people have the chance to practice working with strict discipline and independent creativity.Viet Nam launched the 1kg PicoDragon satellite to give Vietnamese experts the chance to explore the process of designing, creating and piloting a satellite in August 2013.Under the Made-in-Vietnam satellite development roadmap, the country will launch the 10kg NanoDragon satellite in 2016, the 50kg MicroDragon satellite in 2018 and the 500kg LOTUSat-2 in 2020. (VietnamNews)

25 Februari 2016

Australian Army M1A1 Abrams MBT (photo : ABC)The 2016 White Paper is a comprehensive and responsible long-term plan to ensure Australia’s national security.It is the culmination of detailed analysis of our strategic environment, our defence priorities and objectives, and the capabilities required to achieve these outcomes.For the first time, the White Paper released today by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Defence Minister Marise Payne fully aligns strategy, capability and resources to make the Australian Defence Force (ADF) more capable, agile and potent.The Turnbull Government is increasing Defence spending by $29.9 billion over the next decade.The defence strategy and capability plans have been independently costed to ensure they are achievable and affordable.The Turnbull Government has also set a new benchmark for transparency and funding certainty by releasing an Integrated Investment Program and Defence Industry Policy Statement.The fully costed, ten-year Integrated Investment Program brings together all capability-related investment including new weapons, platforms, infrastructure and science and technology.The Defence Industry Policy Statement will transform Defence’s relationship with industry.The Turnbull Government will invest $1.6 billion over 10 years in programs to build industry skills, drive competitiveness and export potential while harnessing Australian innovation and expertise.These investments in Australian industry and technologies will generate benefits beyond the Australian defence industrial base which flow into the rest of the economy, delivering jobs and encouraging innovation for regional businesses and communities across Australia.The implementation of the First Principles Review of Defence and the organisation’s ongoing commitment to cultural reform will be critical to realising the Turnbull Government’s White Paper goals.The White Paper recognises Australia’s security and prosperity is directly tied to the stability of our region and to the maintenance of a stable, rules-based global order.In the period to 2035, Australia will have greater opportunities for prosperity and development but it will also face greater uncertainty. We need to be prepared.The White Paper positions Defence to respond to a broader range of security threats to Australians at home and abroad.The Government will invest in new capability across the ADF including:-A continuous naval shipbuilding program commencing with nine future frigates and 12 offshore patrol vessels.-12 new regionally-superior submarines, with the commitment to maximise Australian industry involvement in acquisition and sustainment, to be finalised through the Competitive Evaluation Process. -Enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, space, electronic warfare and cyber capabilities.-Advanced training, modern equipment, health care and logistics systems to support ADF personnel.-Comprehensive upgrades to Defence infrastructure across Australia to support our larger future force, including key bases, training and testing ranges and fuel and explosive ordnance facilities.-Modernised information management, operational communications, and command and control systems.Australians can be confident the Turnbull Government will continue to deliver on its most important task – defending our nation and protecting and promoting our national interests.The 2016 Defence White Paper, Integrated Investment Program and Defence Industry Policy Statement are available at www.defence.gov.au/whitepaper.(Aus DoD)

MANILA (PNA) --- In line with efforts to ensure that all of its available air assets are mission-worthy at all times, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced that it is allocating the sum of PHP18,103,676.69 for the acquisition of spare parts needed for the maintenance of the engine, electrical, instrument systems of one of its Rockwell OV-10 "Bronco" attack aircraft.Submission and opening of bids is on March 8, 9:00 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.Prospective bidders should have an experience in similar project within the last five years.The OV-10s are the PAF's premier ground attack aircraft. Around six to eight units are still in service as of this posting. (PNA)

RAN Fleet Base West (photo : RAN)CANBERRA (Xinhua) -- Australia will raise defence spending to 2 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) over the next seven years in a formal announcement to be made by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull later this week.Speaking to the press on Wednesday, Turnbull said the investment, to be revealed as part of the long-anticipated Defence White Paper, would serve Australia for "decades" to come."(The paper) sets out the plan for Australia's defence, security and investment. It's focused on securing our nation decades into the future," Turnbull said."It is a thoroughly, carefully, fully costed document and in that sense it is very different to the last paper."According to News Corp, which secured a copy of the White Paper before its release on Thursday, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) will recruit more than 5,000 new troops, upgrade troop weapons and armored vehicles, while it will also splurge on 12 new submarines and an upgraded air force fleet - both combat and reconnaissance.In the paper, the government intends to lift defence spending to 2 percent of the nation's GDP by 2023 - a plan initially laid out by former Prime Minister Tony Abbott.According to experts, that would result in almost one trillion dollars (710 billion U.S dollars) being put into defence over the next 10 years.Turnbull said the cost of the Defence White Paper was justified as it would set a higher standard for Australia's armed forces."It will set out how we will give our Defence forces the resources they need, the capabilities they need, to keep us safe and to ensure that we play our part in delivering and ensuring regional security," Turnbull said.The federal Opposition has signalled its approval of the spending, with Labor's defence spokesman David Feeney telling the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) his party would back the paper so long as it adhered to the budgetary constraints."The 2 percent (of GDP) has its origins in Labor Party policy and it's something we'll support so long as it can be set out in a way that is real and tangible," Feeney said on Wednesday.The Defence White Paper was last updated by former Prime Minister Julia Gillard in 2013.(Xinhua)